The company - which has operations in Brussels, Dublin, London, Paris, Singapore and New York - announced on Friday the appointment of Mr Wharton as a senior adviser on its Brexit Unit.

A statement, released by the company said Mr Wharton “will provide strategic advice to Hume Brophy clients internationally and contribute to the development of public affairs strategies on Brexit and trade issues, alongside WTO expert and ambassador Stuart Harbinson”.

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Just hours before Hume Brophy’s announcement, The Gazette reported that Mr Wharton had accepted a role advising the board of Newcastle-based Aquind Ltd - the firm behind a £1.1bn underwater power line linking the UK with France.

James Wharton was elected as MP for Stockton South and joined the Government in 2015 as the first minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

A solicitor by profession, Wharton served as MP from 2010 to 2017. He was not returned in 2017.

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Commenting on Mr Wharton’s appointment, Robert Condon, managing director at Hume Brophy said: “James is acknowledged as one of the best and brightest in the Tory firmament and we’re delighted he chose to join us.

“We already have Brexit mandates from US, Australian and international companies and trade bodies and James is a core part of our international Brexit team.

“His insight is acute and he is already a valued strategic adviser to clients.”

James Wharton said: “With Brexit underway the importance of good advice and insight has never been more obvious.

“Hume Brophy has built an incredible reputation and I am confident they are well placed to do even more in the years ahead.

“I know from my time in Parliament how respected and effective they are and I am delighted to be joining the team.”